So you wanna be a DJ?

It is a house ridden with chipped paint, creaky floors and covered with bumper stickers of obscure bands. Upstairs everything changes as DJs run the show at IU’s student-run radio station—WIUX, located at 815 E. Eighth St.

WIUX will be holding its summer call-out meeting at 8 p.m. on May 8 at the Henry Radford Hope School of Fine Arts building, located at 1201 E. Seventh St., Room 015. For those who have always been interested in DJing for the station but unable to due to the lack of slots during past semesters, the summer provides a good opportunity, WIUX Station Manager and senior Craig Shank said.

“You can start and get a DJ slot without much hassle,” George Drake, WIUX music director and senior said.

During the school year, DJs have to put in a larger time commitment by being involved in at least one other committee at the WIUX station, Shank said. The summer, on the other hand, allows students to be DJs without having to dedicate so much time.
“It’s a good chance to get experience before the core audience comes back and work out your persona on air,” Shank said.

But the call-out meeting will also provide information for those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes aspect of the station.

Working for WIUX during the summer allows its DJs a separate advantage from other seasons, Public Relations Director and senior Allie Korosi said.

“During the summer you get more of a chance to dedicate time to the show and not to classes,” Korosi said. “It’s more of a relaxed feel.”

Students like senior Hanna Dillon enjoy the extra time they get during the summer to put together more quality mixes with various types of music.

“I have the time to make a mix that’s not just what I’m feeling, or what’s on my iTunes.”

WIUX has a very diverse music selection due to all of the students that DJ, Korosi said.

“Everyone brings something different to the table,” she said. “Sometimes we have two hours of dance music followed by two hours of punk rock.”

For DJs like Dillon, music selection is based more on daily emotions.
“If I’m in a good mood I play chipper music, with a lighthearted, upbeat mood. If I’m in a bad mood I’ll either play hard-core metal or folk songs.”

Although DJing for WIUX provides a fun opportunity for students, Shank said there will still be a fair amount of work involved in production.

“Take it seriously,” he said. “We’re more than happy to help you, but there’s a lot of work involved.”

Shank suggested that students attend the call-out meeting to see if WIUX is right for them.